Chapter 800: The Struggle for Leadership

While the Four Pavilions were still discussing Zhou Yuan, he became extremely low-key in the following days. He spent most of his time daily within the Wind Region, gathering genesis traces and refining his Wind Spirit Rune. The rest of his time was dedicated to cultivating his genesis arts and solidifying his combat power.

With his low-key approach, discussions about him gradually subsided. After all, Zhou Yuan was just a vice pavilion master of the Wind Pavilion, and in terms of strength, he wasn't particularly outstanding among the vice pavilion masters of the Four Pavilions. If he hadn't acted so prominently this time, it's likely no one from the other three pavilions would have paid attention to him. Thus, Zhou Yuan's popularity quickly cooled down.

Zhou Yuan, however, was more than happy with this quiet period. After all, he never wished to place himself under so much scrutiny. If Jin Teng and the other two hadn't deliberately provoked trouble, he wouldn't have bothered with the whole affair. This tranquility was perfectly suited for his focused cultivation.

However, while Zhou Yuan immersed himself in daily cultivation within the Wind Region, the Wind Pavilion was far from peaceful; instead, an uproar began. The source of this unrest was the news released by Zhou Yuan and Ye Bingling about promoting three new commanders. As soon as this news spread, the entire Wind Pavilion was shaken, and many capable members were ecstatic. It was well known that a commander's position was incredibly scarce; without direct appointment from above, a regular path to promotion required not only outstanding strength but also significant contributions.

But now that Jin Teng and the other two had been stripped of their positions, three commander spots were immediately vacant. Initially, some people coveted these positions. However, they were well aware that these three spots belonged to Jin Teng and his companions, and they knew that if Chen Beifeng became the Pavilion Master in the future, he would surely overturn Zhou Yuan's dismissal and reinstate the three as commanders. Therefore, even though some harbored desires, they could only watch longingly, not daring to make a move.

But who would have thought that Vice Pavilion Masters Zhou Yuan and Ye Bingling would actually put these three commander positions up for grabs? This undoubtedly gave them a legitimate reason to compete! Thus, during this period, many self-proclaimed eligible contenders within the Wind Pavilion converged in front of Zhou Yuan's and Ye Bingling's residences. When Zhou Yuan publicly entrusted the matter to Yi Qiushui and Liu Zhixuan, they instantly became highly sought-after figures in the Wind Pavilion, with endless daily engagements.

When this news reached Chen Beifeng, as expected, he was furious. Everyone in the Wind Pavilion knew that those three positions were reserved for him. Yet, Zhou Yuan and Ye Bingling dared to use them to win over people's support, which was simply a blatant disregard for him! In his fury, Chen Beifeng confronted Zhou Yuan and Ye Bingling. Words were exchanged fiercely, and a fight almost broke out. But in the end, Chen Beifeng left in a rage, knowing that Zhou Yuan and Ye Bingling's actions complied with the rules and any further opposition from him would be futile.

After this unpleasant parting, everyone knew that Chen Beifeng, Zhou Yuan, and Ye Bingling had completely fallen out. Upon his return, Chen Beifeng spread word, forbidding anyone else from competing for the three commander positions. Otherwise, even if they were selected, he would re-evaluate them once he became Pavilion Master. This announcement caused some commotion and dissatisfaction within the Wind Pavilion. Most of those qualified to compete for a commander position had good strength and talent. They had coveted these positions for a long time, and now that an opportunity finally arose, Chen Beifeng wanted to intimidate them into giving up. Even with his prestige, this inevitably caused resentment.

However, it wasn't entirely without effect. Some, fearing Chen Beifeng's prestige, chose to withdraw. After all, they worried that if Chen Beifeng truly became the Wind Pavilion Master, offending him now would make their future difficult. Still, these individuals were a minority and did not significantly impact the situation. Therefore, after consulting with Zhou Yuan and Ye Bingling, Yi Qiushui decided to initiate the commander competition in half a month. This news spread, once again eliciting cheers. It must be said that through Yi Qiushui's actions, many Wind Pavilion members gradually shed their prejudices against Zhou Yuan, the "parachuter," and in turn, he began to gain some supporters.

Thus, at this point, Zhou Yuan could finally be said to have firmly established himself.

And so, half a month passed swiftly amidst the anticipation of many Wind Pavilion members.

At the Wind Pavilion's Bluestone Plaza, where Zhou Yuan had taken office that day, figures mingled, and the atmosphere was extraordinarily lively. Almost all members of the Wind Pavilion had gathered there once again. On the high platform at the very front of the plaza, three figures were seated: none other than the three vice pavilion masters, Zhou Yuan, Ye Bingling, and Chen Beifeng. Zhou Yuan and Ye Bingling, however, appeared quite calm. Chen Beifeng, on the other hand, was gloomy, with rage simmering in his eyes, ready to erupt like heavenly thunder at any moment.

In the plaza, streams of genesis qi erupted. Amidst the crisscrossing figures, fierce clashes were underway. The commander competition had begun. The three vice pavilion masters—Zhou Yuan, Ye Bingling, and Chen Beifeng—presided over the event, quietly watching the matches below. Only the three most outstanding individuals in terms of strength would secure the vacant commander positions.

Chen Beifeng stared at the fierce battles below, his hands clenched so tightly that veins popped. He knew that today, he was merely a figurehead. Even if he hadn't come, Zhou Yuan and Ye Bingling alone could decide the candidates, as, according to the rules of voting, his single vote couldn't outweigh their combined two.

"That bastard!" Chen Beifeng sneered, glancing at Zhou Yuan, who was smiling as he watched the proceedings below, and couldn't help but curse under his breath. He had initially paid little attention to Zhou Yuan, the new vice pavilion master, as the latter's strength posed no threat to him. But how could he have imagined that this young man, in less than a month since his arrival, would cause him such embarrassment? Thus, the hatred Chen Beifeng felt for Zhou Yuan at this moment was even stronger than that he held for his old rival, Ye Bingling.

The matches and clashes on the plaza continued for a full half-day before concluding. The three eventual winners were two men and one woman: Xiao Hong, Li Fa, and Lu Mingyue. These three had previously held vice-commander positions and were not weak in strength. It was simply difficult for them to ascend further due to the limited number of commander positions. Now that positions had opened up, they naturally held an advantage.

Amidst many envious gazes, the three stepped forward and bowed with cupped fists to the three vice pavilion masters seated above. It was clear that their eyes held unconcealed excitement. Zhou Yuan smiled at the three and said in a clear, resonant voice, "The three of you have emerged victorious, and your strength is evident for all to see. You are indeed qualified for promotion to commander positions."

"Thank you, Vice Pavilion Master Zhou!" The three's eyes lit up with joy, and they quickly bowed. Ye Bingling also nodded slightly, saying, "Agreed." The three continued to express their gratitude. Then many gazes fell upon Chen Beifeng. His face was gloomy, but he remained silent. The atmosphere became slightly awkward. A hint of indignation flickered in the eyes of Xiao Hong and the other two, but they dared not voice any accusations.

Zhou Yuan calmly spoke up, "Of the three vice pavilion masters, two have given their approval. The results of today's commander competition should therefore be valid. Congratulations, then, on your promotions to commander."

Xiao Hong and the other two immediately bowed to Zhou Yuan, their attitudes showing a touch of deference. They had thoroughly understood that Chen Beifeng was entirely unwilling for them to be promoted. If not for Vice Pavilion Masters Zhou Yuan and Ye Bingling holding the voting advantage, they would have had no chance at a commander position. Although Chen Beifeng held great prestige in the Wind Pavilion and was expected to become the Pavilion Master, blocking someone's path was akin to killing their parents. How could Xiao Hong and the other two be willing to give up? Furthermore, while Chen Beifeng had an advantage in the competition for Pavilion Master, it wasn't a done deal yet. What if Ye Bingling won in the end?

As Zhou Yuan completed the announcement, the atmosphere in the plaza once again surged. Although only three people were ultimately promoted, Zhou Yuan's actions this time had undoubtedly won him the goodwill of many Wind Pavilion members.

Chen Beifeng rose from his chair, expressionless. Anyone could sense the hidden rage within him. His gaze fixed directly on Zhou Yuan and Ye Bingling, and he said blandly, "You two should stop making such a fuss. Do you really think this can cause me much trouble? These are just petty tricks. Once I become the Wind Pavilion Master, you will naturally understand how childish these actions are."

Zhou Yuan smiled faintly and said, "Vice Pavilion Master Chen Beifeng, your words make it sound as if the position of Pavilion Master is already in your pocket."

Chen Beifeng looked at Zhou Yuan with a hint of sarcasm and disdain, saying, "If not for Ye Bingling, do you truly believe you could cause me any trouble?"

Ye Bingling snorted coldly, about to speak. But Chen Beifeng waved his hand, too lazy to say more. With a movement of his body, he enveloped himself in a rainbow of genesis qi and shot away into the sky. "The Pavilion Master competition is just over a month away. I hope you'll still be smiling then!" His cold voice echoed from afar.

Zhou Yuan, however, remained calm and was not angered by Chen Beifeng's taunts. Ye Bingling glanced at him and offered a word of comfort. Then, with a slight frown on her pretty face, she said, "I feel like Chen Beifeng has grown stronger again. It seems I must also cultivate with all my might during this period." After speaking, she didn't linger. She rose decisively and departed.

Zhou Yuan watched her departing figure. Then he glanced at the back of his hand. There, a faint blue light was gathering, vaguely revealing an incomplete ancient genesis rune. After more than half a month of cultivation, his Wind Spirit Rune was nearly thirty percent complete. This speed exceeded his expectations.

"I'd like to see if you can still be so arrogant if you lose the Pavilion Master competition." He looked in the direction Chen Beifeng had departed, his expression calm. In truth, he wasn't particularly worried about the threat posed by Chen Beifeng at the moment. Compared to Chen Beifeng, his current biggest headache was the Originium Treasure Coins. The speed at which he refined the Wind Spirit Rune exceeded his expectations. Similarly, the rate at which he consumed Originium Treasure Coins also exceeded his expectations. The Originium Treasure Coins obtained from Jin Teng and the others would likely not be enough for him to complete the Wind Spirit Rune to the half-rune stage. Moreover, after witnessing his own speed in refining the Wind Spirit Rune, even a half-rune no longer satisfied Zhou Yuan's ambition. Perhaps he could attempt something even more astonishing.

Thinking of this, Zhou Yuan let out a melancholic sigh. He hoped he could last until next month, so he could at least receive his next vice pavilion master's salary. Otherwise, he might have to borrow from Ye Bingling, but that would truly be an utter loss of face.

"It seems I need to find a way to earn Originium Treasure Coins," he murmured, full of anticipation.